A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
